Indian filmmaker Anuparna Roy has secured the Best Director award at the Venice International Film Festival for her debut feature, "Songs of Forgotten Trees." The win was announced as the renowned festival—one of the world's oldest cinematic showcases—wrapped up on Saturday. Presented by director Anurag Kashyap, the film premiered on September 1 in the Orizzonti Competition, a section dedicated to innovative debut works, emerging talents, and indie cinema.

The story follows Thooya, a migrant aspiring actress in Mumbai who survives by using her beauty and wit, sometimes exchanging intimacy for opportunities. She sublets her sugar daddy's apartment to Swetha, a corporate migrant, leading to an unlikely bond amid the city's chaos. As personal histories and wounds emerge, their connection evolves into a tender exploration of selfhood, survival, and kinship, rather than conflict.

Roy dedicated the film to marginalized women, stating, "This is a tribute to every woman who’s ever been silenced, overlooked, or underestimated. May this win inspire more voices, more stories, and more power for women in cinema and beyond."

Also Read: TMC MLA Threatens BJP Legislator With Acid Attack

Produced by Bibhanshu Rai, Romil Modi, and Ranjan Singh, it stars Naaz Shaikh and Sumi Baghel, with supporting roles by Bhushan Shimpi, Ravi Maan, Pritam Pilania, and Lovely Singh. The technical team includes cinematographer Debjit Samanta, editor Ashish Patel, and composer Nishant Ramteke. Roy's achievement highlights the growing global impact of Indian independent films.

Also Read: Delhi Police Arrest Dubai-Based Amir Pasha's Aide in Car Theft Racket